Birmingham Hen Party Guide

Posted by Alec on November 7 2013.

Birmingham Hen Party Guide

The second biggest city in Britain, Birmingham was once known as the ‘City of a 1000 Trades’ for its buzzing canal trading routes. Birmingham has been at the centre of an on-going renovation ever since and is quickly reclaiming its reputation as one of England’s greatest shopping hotspots. With an amazing selection of high street, brand name and budget stores, plus an amazing nightlife to boot, Birmingham is the perfect destination for a girly getaway.

Birmingham Hen Party Guide – Shopping

Home to the first Selfridges to set up shop outside of London, Birmingham is a city built for shopaholics. The Bullring at the centre of Birmingham boasts over 160 shops including all of your favourites such as River Island, Armani and All Saints. For a more traditional taste of Birmingham shopping you have to visit their three main markets. The Rag Market – the oldest of the three market – has developed a national reputation for their exotic sari fabrics and trimmings while the Bullring Open Market specialises in gorgeous, organic farmers’ produce.

Birmingham Hen Party Guide – Eating Out

Birmingham has become a surprise hit with foodies in recent years and now plays host to an assortment of Michelin starred restaurants. A fine example of this is Purnells – created and run by TV celebrity chef Glyn Purnell. Serving up the very finest ingredients in innovative ways and combinations, Purnells is a haven for high quality food lovers. This gastronomic feast will get your mouth watering but can be a bit pricey. While that’s great for a celebration, some might be more interested in saving the cash to splash on cocktails later. If that’s the case then head to Pushkar for glamorous dining on a budget. With their generous lunch deal coming in at under £13 a head for three courses you can taste authentic Indian cuisine without worrying about the bill.

Birmingham Hen Party Guide – Nightlife

Forget pre-drinking in a pub, for a unique start to your Birmingham hen do get the girls together for a Polestars cocktail making class. Learn the craft of mixology from a charming bar tender before making (and drinking) three delicious cocktails each. If you’re still craving just one or two (or ten) more cocktails, then head to Sobar right in the Arcadian Centre. With an extensive cocktail list and an equally exciting menu of nibbles, you might end up staying there all night.

For hard-core clubbers though, Birmingham’s clubbing scene is not to be missed. For an ultra-glam night out Bambu is the place for you. Featuring plush décor and a collection of seriously VIP booths it’s the place to see and be seen. If a rave is more your scene then the famous Custard Factory is Birmingham’s one stop shop for all the best DJs and club nights.

Birmingham Hen Party Guide – Unusual Activities

Birmingham is famous for its cultural diversity and that is demonstrated best through its vibrant art and cultural scenes. Featuring one of the best art collections outside of London, the Barber Institute has been drawing art lovers to its doors for over a century. Displaying works by Degas, Monet and Rossetti and Van Gogh, plus many more, it’s no wonder that ti received five stars in a Penguin review of British museum and galleries. If you prefer more contemporary art then the Ikon gallery is renowned for its exhibitions showing some of the finest modern art around.

Birmingham Hen Party Guide – Entertainment

Live music lovers should make Birmingham’s O2 Academy their first stop. Showing some of the biggest names, tickets to the Academy also tend to allow entry to club nights after so you can really make a night out of it. Birmingham is also perfect for wannabe Thespians with a selection of theatres all hosting top touring west end shows and the best in avant-garde contemporary theatre. If just watching isn’t enough to satisfy your inner diva then get in the spotlight for yourself with a Polestars dance party. Spend two hours learning the dances from your favourite West End Musicals such as Grease, Chicagoor Dirty Dancing.

Birmingham Hen Party Guide – R & R

The Spa at the Cube is the number one Birmingham destination for some serious pampering. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and relax in blissfully minimalist surroundings. Indulge in some of their decadent treatments or just enjoy a chill out day with the use of their swimming pool and steam room. However you choose to spend your time at the Cube you are guaranteed to leave feeling stress free and ready to tackle a big night out.